The college art folks I know take a narrow approach to frame design. Most will only use a white mat, with either black or natural light maple frame. I can see the value in keeping a simple, clean design aesthetic for art shows, as the continuity drives focus to the art. But there are so many times when, for another setting, something else is better.
That said, when a tired, outdated piece is brought in for reframing, it often revives when the matchy-matchy framing is removed and it can breathe. More often than not, this includes a much simpler mat design, with a clean frame line.
That said, when a tired, outdated piece is brought in for reframing, it often revives when the matchy-matchy framing is removed and it can breathe. More often than not, this includes a much simpler mat design, with a clean frame line.